UTAH OUTDOOR BUCKET LIST

I love Utah. It took me a little while to get used to some of its cultural oddities, but I love it. A big part of that feeling comes from the fact that I love the outdoors, and exploring. There is a reason so many people like me end up here. Simply put you would be hard pressed to find a state that offered more outdoor opportunities, for all four seasons than Utah. No matter the weather there is always something to be doing outside. If you are new to the state, planning on visiting, or have lived here your whole life, this list will hopefully inspire you to get outside, and go exploring.

SPRING

The Golden Cathedral

The Grand Staircase Escalante is truly the gem of Utah. How this area dd not become a national park is beyond me, but I am so glad it didn’t because that is what makes it special. All of the beauty, none of the crowds, and I would argue, more of the adventure. The hikes in this area tend to be longer, and not well marked. The trip to the Golden Cathedral is little under ten miles round trip, but you will need to be comfortable with your navigational skills to get there. The reward however, is magnificent.

Druid Arch

This is in. y opinion, the most spectacular sight in all of Utah. I know that is a bold claim, but hear me out. The shape of this arch alone is pretty special, being much more angular than the traditional curving arches you see more commonly. But here is what makes it so incredible. It is over 450 feet tall. To give some perspective, the Salt Lake Temple is about 225 feet tall. So stack two of those on top of each other and you are almost as tall as this giant of an arch.

The Joint

The hike to Druid Arch alone is over ten miles, but if you are still feeling good, there is an add on that can make the day even more special. It will add about 3 miles to your total hike, but the detour through a section of Canyonlands known as the Joint, will not disappoint. this is the closest natural environment I have ever seen to something from an Indiana Jones Film.

Angels Landing

Theres really nothing i can say about this hike that has not already been said. If you are afraid of heights this is literally your worst nightmare, as you have 1000 foot cliffs on not one, but both sides of the trail. In a modern world where more and more dangerous things are closed down, I am amazed that this is still open, but I am not complaining.

Hell’s Revenge

Do not try to take your Subaru down this trail. I know it has AWD, but believe me it is not meant for this kind of driving. Even a stock Jeep can struggle on this trail. However, if you have a capable off-road vehicle, and you are a capable off-road driver, this is the quintessential off-roading trail in the Moab area.

The Little Grand Canyon

This may be one of the first items on this list a lot of you have not heard of. Very close to the center of the state in the San Rafael Swell is a canyon carved into the sandstone similar, yet smaller, than the Grand Canyon. If you have great legs you can attempt the 20 mile hike through the canyon from end to end, but I would recommend instead choosing a time when the water levels in the river are high enough to float. You will be rewarded with dramatic vistas, and complete solitude.

Snow Canyon

Right next to St George lies one of the most beautiful state parks out there. It lakes the sheer height of the canyons of Zion, but if you want a break from the crowds, this is the place for you. Plenty of hiking opportunities including sand dunes, caves, slot canyons and more. If you want to venture off the beaten path there is a great section of cave art in a slot canyon for you to find.

SUMMER

Thunder Mountain Trail

One of the premier mountain biking trails in the state, for those who are not of the extreme variety. This trail is as much about scenery as much as it is technical mountain biking skill. Starting near Bryce Canyon is winds its way towards Red Canyon through the picturesque pink stone and sand of the Bryce Canyon area. While it may not be the best trail for your first mountain biking experience, if you are somewhat comfortable on a bike, you should have no issues.

Run a Marathon

I thought running a marathon was an incredible feat accomplished by very few until I moved to Utah. this may just be the running capital of the country. I’ll let you in on a secret as to why, all of our races start in the mountains an end in the valleys. Running downhill does tend to make thins a little easier. You can find a race almost any weekend of the year.

Bloods Lake Rope Swing

Much closer to the Salt Lake Valley than you might think, this scenic lake can be accessed from either the Heber/Midway area, or the Brighton/Solitude area. While there are many alpine lakes in this area to hike to, bloods lake is the only one with a rope swing. Just don’t expect the water to be all that inviting, as it is all very recently melted snow.

Mirror Lake

Again, so many to choose from in this area, and all are so beautiful. Mirror lake offers easy hiking trails to circumnavigate the entire lake and take it in. It also allows for paddle sports, so it is a great place to take out your paddle board.

Meadow Hot Springs

You won’t know you have arrived at this destination until you are about 100 feet from it. Hidden in the middle of farmland near Fillmore are some volcanic craters that now make for a delightful soak. Its rare to find crowds here as opposed to some of Utah’s other hot springs. No hiking needed for this location either as you can drive right to the pools.

Middle Provo River Fishing

In particular, fly fishing. In fact, don’t head this direction with a hook and worms unless you want to get teased. This section of river is what is known as a blue ribbon fly fishing stream.

Fairyland Canyon

The section of Bryce Canyon that the tourists don’t seem to know about. Immediately past the entrance gates to the park, is a turnoff for the Fairyland Canyon. Almost every single car and bus goes straight passed it making a run for sunrise or sunset points. If you want to get a taste of Bryce Canyon, without feeling like you are being herded with cattle, this is your spot.

FALL

Nine Mile Canyon

If you like rock art, this is the place for you. A dusty, horribly named (its actually 43 miles) stretch of road outside of Price, has some of the best viewing opportunities, and fewest crowds around. In fact it is likely you will have the sites all to yourself.

Diamond Fork

This is a fantastic hot springs that is worth visiting any time of year. But fall is when it really comes into its own. It involves a bit of a hike, but with the fall colors in full effect, you won’t mind. Also, when you think you have gotten there, you haven’t. Most people stop at a section of the river with some pools in it. Keep going. Trust me.

Cassidy Arch

I love Capitol Reef. Of the National Parks it is my favorite. Its has many different options for relatively quick hikes, but this one is the best. As far as I know, this is one of the only arches you are allowed, and encouraged to walk across like a bridge. If you want to take it to the next level, bring your rappelling gear, and take a trip own through the arch to the canyon floor below.

Fruita Orchards

Staying inside Capitol Reef, and getting to the reason why fall is the best time to visit, we arrive at the orchards in the Fruita Area. Early Mormon Settlers planted various fruit orchards around the Freemont River, and those orchards are open to the public. They even have some of their very own unique breeds of fruit that can only be found in the park.

Alpine Loop

If you want fall colors, but don’t want to get out of your car, this is for you. I winding twisting highway connecting Sundance to American Fork puts on a show every fall as it takes you through Aspen Groves and maple stands with vivid yellow and red colors.

Mt Timpanogos

This one must be done in the early fall. Like September at the latest, because once it snows, it’s done for the season. There are two routes to reach the summit, Timpooneke being slightly easier, but Aspen Grove being more scenic. Either trail is extremely strenuous. You will be climbing between 4000 and 5000 feet.

Stewart Falls

This trail starts at the same parking area as the Aspen Grove trail up Timpanogos, but it is a much more family friendly hike with mild elevation gain. It’s pretty common for the falls to be dried up by the fall, but the colors are the real reason to do this hike.

Calf Creek Falls

My favorite hike in Utah. I usually do it at least once per year. There is something so magical about water cascading over a sandstone facade into a pool below. The hike is gorgeous, the falls are gorgeous, and the section of highway right near the falls is one of the most incredible strecthes of road you will ever drive.

Spooky Slot Canyon

Located miles down a dusty road from the town of Escalante, this is one of the more accessible slot canyons out there. It requires no technical canyoneering, and the hike in is fairly easy as well. If you can survive the bumpy drive, you can handle the hike.

WINTER

Cut A Christmas Tree

You can create a fantastic holiday memory with your family and all it will cost you is a $20 permit. Every ranger district in Utah offers a limited number of tree permits that go on sale in November. they sell out online very quickly, but they can also be bought in person at the ranger stations, and a few other locations. I’m just not going to say where those locations are, because I want to make sure there is still one left for me.

Ice Skate in Midway

The closest to my house on this list. The town of Midway operates an outdoor ice rink throughout the winter. It’s a great holiday/winter activity for the family. They even offer pick up hockey a couple of nights a week for us locals.

Ski Powder Mountain

I debated telling people about this place. Park city gets all the popularity and tourists, but coming from someone who has skid and snowboarded at every resort in the state. This one is the best. You will feel like you have been transported through time to the 80’s when you visit Powder Mountain, in all of the best ways. If it is your first time on the mountain it can be worth hiring a guide. It cannot be understated how big this place is, and how many different areas there are.

Bobsled

There are not a lot of places you can do this one. Thanks to the 2002 Olympics Utah has its very own bobsled track, and you can ride it. If I am being completely honest, this one is really fun to say you did it, but the experience isn't all that great. It’s really bumpy, and you don’t really know what'sgoing on as you have to keep your head down.

Donut Falls

Either hiking, or snowshoeing this hike that is close to the city, is a fun one for all ages. It gets its name from the waterfall that pours through a hole in the top of a cave. The milage and elevation gain are both minimal, and you will most likely not need snowshoes, as the trail is generally pretty packed down.

Soldier Hollow

Another gift from the 2002 olympics is this cross country skiing park. I had wanted to try this for the longest time, and I have to say I had way more fun than I though I would. Its is such a workout, but also so peaceful and quiet.

Sundance Night Skiing

If you love to ski, but don’t want to cough up $150 every time you go, night skiing is for you. I also recommend this to anyone learning to ski, simply because rather than paying $150 to ride the bunny hill, you can pay $30. I myself originally learned at night, and so there is always something fun to me about skiing in the moonlight. The reason I included Sundance over Brighton, is because of the terrain. Brighton ropes off everything but the main runs at night, while Sundance allows you to explore by the moonlight, or your headlamp. If you are an experienced skier, this is what you should try. Leave the main lit runs and experience the solitude of skiing with only your headlamp.

The Wave

The glory of Utah winter is that you can quickly escape the cold and go to a much different climate. The hikes down south are perfect for the winter months, as you don’t need to worry about packing gallons and gallons of water. The wave is one of the hardest hiking permits to get, so apply early and often if you want to do this one. It took me three years of trying to finally succeed.

Pond Hockey

Even if you aren't comfortable on skates, there is something special about skating around on a natural ice surface. While it is somewhat by invitation only, there is a group of Utahns who organize weekly sunrise hockey games around the state on various frozen ponds and reservoirs, If this interests you… I may know someone.

Buckskin Gulch

Probably the most incredible slot canyon out there. To fully experience the entire canyon, you will need a permit to camp because it takes multiple days, but if you just want a taste, you can access the canyon from the wire pass trail, and simply go as far as you’d like, then turn around.